Bobby Robson has admitted that Arsenal wew too good for his side in Saturday's defeat at St James's Park.

And the United boss was far from despondent as his side failed to take their unbeaten run into double figures.

He said today: "Arsenal are and experienced and mature side and there is nothing to be ashamed of losing to them.

"They did not cheat in any way but they know how to run the clock down. They took their time over throw-ins and goal-kicks and fell over when they had to and stood on the ball and slowed it down to suit themselves."

Despite Arsenal's superiority Robson admits that United were caught out by Dennis Bergkamp's superb opening goal after only 10 minutes - a goal which drained the confidence out of his side.

Adds the United boss: "I thought we had a great start.

"In fact, we had the start we planned. We passed the ball well and pressured them and it was all there apart from a goal.

"And I must say that their opening goal was completely out of the blue. And if I was honest I would have to say that it shocked and surprised us.

"But it was a clever goal from a high-class and experienced striker."

If Robson was shocked by the first goal he was angry with Arsenal's second from Sol Campbell four minutes before the interval.

He said: "Sol Campbell got across Nicos Dabizas to head the ball in and I don't like that."

To United's credit they huffed and puffed in the second half without even threatening to knock Arsenal's house down and Robson brought on both Lomana Lua Lua and Carl Cort as substitutes.

"I did what I had to do, " said the United boss.

"I did not take Shola Ameobi off because he was not playing well.

"In fact, he was doing reasonably well but he did not look as though he was going to get a goal for us.

"And I thought Lua Lua would go at people and might get us a dangerous free-kick of even a penalty.

"Carl Cort was the next step. I took off a defender and put a striker on.

"I took a chance because you might as well have a go and lose 3-0 than not do anything and go down 2-0.

"But in the end I've got to say that Arsenal were too good for us and that we were beaten by a very good team." * NEWCASTLE United's reserves take on Manchester United's second string at Kingston Park tonight (7.00).

Coach Tommy Craig is likely to field a youthful side with Bobby Robson's first team in action at Liverpool on Wednesday night.

He said: "It's always an attractive game - and maybe brings one or two fans to Kingston Park for that reason.

"They're probably favourites for the reserve league but we'd like to have a say in that and take the three points, we're in that top group and a win would push up the table. It would take us closer to the top.